Power work paid off as Dundee boxer Paul Kean became new Scottish champion

Paul Kean has revealed that a year of hard work in the gym improving his punching power paid off as he became the new Scottish Super-Welterweight champion.

The Dundee boxer stopped Craig Kelly in the third round of their contest at the Trump Turnberry Hotel at the weekend.

His dad Paul Snr, who runs the Skyaxe Gym where he trains, was in his corner while more than 70 friends and family including his uncle – former Dundee United player and manager Ray McKinnon – were in attendance to see him clinch his first title.

Now, after a quick well-earned rest from his strict training regime, Kean has already set his sights on taking further steps up the boxing ladder.

The 26-year-old said: “Becoming champion has really sunk in over the last couple of days. It has been really good.

“The first couple of rounds against Kelly I wanted to show a wee bit of a different side to myself.

“I have shown that I am a good skilful boxer but I wanted to prove that I could punch as well.

“So the first couple of rounds, I was just planting my feet a bit more and I could see I was putting pressure on him.

“We have been working on the straight left to the body and then coming over the top with the right hook.

“We did it once and then he walked forward and I did exactly the same shot that we have been working on for the last couple of months.

“It landed right on his chin and that was it basically – a knockout in the third round.

“He has now retired but fair play to him he has had a good career and was a great lad. I wish him all the best.

“I have another fight already lined up for May the 4th in Aberdeen. It is a six-rounder but I don’t know who my opponent will be yet.

“I intend to have a couple of days off and I have treated myself to a few burgers already! But I will be quickly back into it.

“Hopefully I can keep pressing on and get a British title shot next year – that’s my plan.”

Kean added: “I have been working with a new strength-and-conditioning coach for the last year.

“Adam Lusby works in the Skyaxe gym as well on enhanced sports performance and it has taken me to a whole new level now.

“My power has doubled, even with the weights I am lifting and things like that.

“Everything is done correctly and my diet is also on point with help from Scran Fitness Food and Harry Ogg from Muscle Xcess.